CVE-2017-6835 in audiofile
Summary
by MITRE
The reset1 function in libaudiofile/modules/BlockCodec.cpp in Audio File Library (aka audiofile) 0.3.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (divide-by-zero error and crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6835 resides within the Audio File Library implementation, specifically in the reset1 function located in libaudiofile/modules/BlockCodec.cpp. This library serves as a crucial component for audio file processing and manipulation across various applications and systems. The flaw manifests as a divide-by-zero error that occurs when the library attempts to process a specially crafted audio file, leading to a system crash and subsequent denial of service condition. The vulnerability represents a classic software error that demonstrates poor input validation and error handling practices within the audio processing pipeline.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the reset1 function, which fails to properly handle malformed audio file structures. When a maliciously crafted file is processed, the function attempts to perform a division operation with a zero value, causing the application to terminate abruptly. This type of error falls under the CWE-369 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses divide-by-zero conditions that can lead to application crashes and system instability. The flaw operates at the level of input processing where audio file headers or metadata contain invalid values that the library does not adequately sanitize before processing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited remotely through file upload mechanisms or by tricking users into opening malicious audio files, making it a significant threat to systems that rely on audio file processing capabilities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risks for systems that utilize the audiofile library for audio processing tasks. The denial of service condition can affect media servers, audio editing applications, content management systems, and any platform that accepts user-uploaded audio files. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt services by uploading malicious files that trigger the divide-by-zero error, causing legitimate applications to crash and potentially rendering the entire system unavailable. The attack surface extends beyond simple file processing to include web applications, mobile platforms, and embedded systems that depend on audiofile functionality. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which involves network denial of service attacks through application layer exploitation, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining audio processing infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6835 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability directly impacts system stability and availability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all audio file metadata before processing, ensuring that division operations include proper zero-checks and error handling. The fix typically involves adding boundary checks and validation routines within the reset1 function to prevent division by zero scenarios. Additionally, implementing proper error handling mechanisms and graceful degradation capabilities can help prevent complete system crashes when malformed files are encountered. Security teams should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect and block suspicious file upload attempts, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other audio processing libraries and multimedia frameworks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing libraries, where malformed data can lead to system-wide failures.